How to Wash a Comforter
6 Handy Tips for Washing a Comforter
Ever wondered how to wash your bed’s comforter? Whether you’re diving into spring home cleaning or you just realized that you can’t remember when (or if) you last washed your bed’s comforter, then here’s the lowdown on how to tackle washing and drying that oversized comforter so that it will keep its shape and beauty for many seasons to come.
1. How to wash a comforter at home
Most down and down-alternative comforters are machine washable. (Be sure to check the care label tag for guidelines.) Using a front-load washer is preferred due to its superior ability to wring water out. Follow the care tag’s instructions, or use a gentle or delicate cycle with cool or warm water setting and a minimal amount of mild laundry detergent.
If you have a large comforter and you feel that your home washing machine isn’t big enough to handle washing it well, then head over to the large capacity commercial options available at your nearby laundromat.
2. How to dry a comforter
Plan on a couple of hours to dry a down comforter. Remove the comforter from the washing machine quickly after the rinse cycle. Using an extra-capacity dryer, select the low heat setting and press START. Take the comforter out a couple times during the drying process and give it a good fluffing up to help redistribute the down as it dries. If you’re able to let it dry hanging on an outdoor clothesline on a sunny day, then let it finish out its drying time there. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – and deodorizer! No matter what, it is important that it dries completely to prevent mildew.
PRO TIP: Toss a few clean tennis balls into the dryer with the comforter to fluff it up as it dries.
3. How to skip cleaning a comforter
Another option to avoid needing to wash a comforter is to use a duvet cover. It is a cover that goes over your comforter. When you’re ready to give it a wash, you can simply take the duvet cover off the comforter and wash it easily in your regular washing machine.
4. Can you dry clean a down comforter?
It’s nice to have choices, and if you are short on time and don’t mind the average $60+ bill at the dry cleaners, then this convenient route can be an option. Otherwise, consider washing your comforter at home or at your local laundromat. Additionally, it is probably best to avoid the harsh dry cleaning chemicals on something close to your face and body.
5. How to spot clean a comforter
It seems that there are plenty of spot removing tricks out there, from using a spot-removing solution that can be found at fabric stores, to a rub of gentle dishwashing soap to bottled enzyme solutions. If the stain is a troublesome one, like red wine, blood or coffee, then you will want to take special care with it. Start by shifting the down away from the spot to focus on the surface stain. Then, start with gentle cleansers and work from there until the spot is gone.
6. How often should you wash a comforter?
On average, clean your comforter once every few months. More if you have allergies and less if it doesn’t get much wear and tear. And of course, if you use a duvet cover for your comforter, it is even easier to just wash the cover rather than the comforter whenever you need it.
With a clean comforter, you are ready to enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep. Sweet Dreams!
Now that you know how to launder your comforter, take a look at our inspiring bedroom decorating ideas to refresh your bedroom and get ready for new season.
